AltusWorks

AltusWorks Welcomes Jennifer Ries!

Jen rejoins AltusWorks, after nearly 20 years, to augment our preservation services by bringing extensive experience in historic preservation, building restoration, and repair projects throughout the country. She combines strong technical knowledge with an artistic approach to develop thoughtful, detailed repair solutions that balance existing construction with modern solutions.

She especially enjoys the hands-on aspects of field work, building documentation, and investigation, and has led project teams through all phases of each project to achieve successful outcomes. Beyond her professional work, Jen enjoys gardening, bike riding, traveling, and live music.

We’re excited to have Jen’s expertise and collaborative approach as she returns to AltusWorks after nearly 20 years!

Through our standing architectural retainer contract with University of Illinois Chicago where no project is too small, we’re pleased to be advancing three projects across campus - each focused on improving performance, accessibility, and long-term durability.

At Building 974, we’re assessing existing roof systems and the associated cooling tower, developing a comprehensive scope for replacement, and implementing immediate leak mitigation.

Focusing on accessibility at Building 605, our office is correcting existing violations at the bowling alley ramp while preparing design documents for increased access with an additional ramp to bring the active student recreation area into full compliance.

At Building 908, we’re performing an in-depth building envelope assessment to identify the source of and recommend repairs to long-term water infiltration which has led to deterioration of plaster finishes and the coffered wood ceiling in the historic collegiate gothic style alumni hall.

From roofs and exterior walls to ramps and interior restoration, we’re proud to support UIC in maintaining and improving their campus facilities.

CCS International MBB Enterprises of Chicago, Inc. Virtual Energy Solutions, Inc. Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co., Inc. Quality Mechanical, Inc.

Please join us in welcoming Matt Gilbert to AltusWorks!

With over 12 years of experience, Matt brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to complex architectural challenges, with a focus on civic and institutional projects. Guided by a deep respect for existing buildings, his work spans master planning through construction administration.

Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan. Since 2015, he has volunteered with ACE Mentor Chicago, helping expand opportunities for local high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys photographing, researching, and sharing Chicago’s neighborhood architecture, often exploring the city by bike, and celebrating its rich and diverse architectural heritage.

Welcome, Matt!